As the commercial, public, and government sectors rush to safeguard their systems and data in times of major cyberattacks, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand. And it’s no surprise: personal information is exposed, and sensitive data is disseminated online if companies that collected them don’t invest in cybersecurity enough.
Maybe it’s even inspired you to take action and turn into a cyber fighter! There are tons of vacations on job sites like Lensa in this field, ranging from beginner’s positions to ones requiring extensive experience in cybersecurity. Unsure where to start? In this article, we’ll give you five simple tips for starting a cybersecurity career.
What Jobs Are Available in Cybersecurity?
You can work as a cybersecurity specialist on a variety of levels, from entry-level ones like information technology auditors to advanced positions like senior information security managers.
- Network security engineers manage the network security of their firm, including firewalls, routers, and VPNs. This position is typical for larger businesses.
- Analysts in information security are the team members who put security strategies into action. They look out for security issues or breaches and maintain the infosec systems for their company.
- Engineers in identity and access management work in the cybersecurity division to employ digital IDs inside an organization to ensure appropriate system access levels and prevent unlawful use.
- The people who develop, build, and manage a company’s network and computer security system are known as security architects.
Whatever occupation you choose, these tips are key for starting your career.
Invest in Your Education
The traditional entry point for employment in this lucrative and in-demand industry is a degree in cybersecurity. If you have an information security degree and the necessary expertise, you have a wide range of opportunities at your disposal.
A bachelor’s degree in such majors as computer science, information systems, or information technology is considered entry-level for the majority of potential cybersecurity specialists.
Getting a master’s degree in cybersecurity operations is the next step to enhancing your employment prospects and putting yourself in a more desirable position for employers looking for candidates for higher-level roles.
Receive Certificates
Certificates from different institutions, academies, courses, or official bodies are a great alternative to higher education. If you have experience in the field but didn’t receive a formal university degree, then certificates can be your credentials. Obtaining the security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications can demonstrate to potential employers that you are capable of handling the demands of a cybersecurity career.
Get Real-World Experience
How do you begin a career in cybersecurity if you have no experience and are therefore unable to obtain employment? The solution is real-world experience.
You can participate in a variety of alternative cybersecurity efforts in addition to the conventional ones to develop your abilities and get experience. Undoubtedly, understanding as much as you can about IT and cybersecurity is the first step.
After that, you can start working on a simple technology project for yourself or someone else. Nevertheless, you can also:
- Offer your services to companies that require cybersecurity.
- Participate in contests involving cybersecurity.
- Volunteer in positions connected to cybersecurity.
- Look for internships, which can even be paid.
The next step is to market both your abilities and yourself. The more people who know you, the more opportunity you have to learn new skills.
Utilize Networking Opportunities
As your cybersecurity professional career progresses and your industry expertise grows, you’ll be able to quickly identify the company you’re looking for. Networking is a great place to start looking for a job and building connections. You can look up local networking groups or events in addition to networking online.
This might help you network with former IT coworkers for new professional chances and spread the news about your job quest. Plus, you can learn new things in the field that others found through their experience.
Don’t Be Afraid to Change Course
Do not feel pressured to choose a certain path for your career in technology right away because both the occupations associated with it and the area of technology itself are constantly evolving. In reality, you’ll undoubtedly have several opportunities to shift or drastically modify your job focus over your career.
To Sum Up
Cybersecurity is a growing industry, in which qualified specialists and in great demand. If you are interested in starting a career in this field, you should first receive appropriate training, either in higher education institutions or through certification courses. Then you’ll have to gain practical experience and professional connections. And remember: you should be ready to adapt to the constantly changing technological field and not be afraid to try new jobs.
